News Release

Friday, July 23, 2010

Serial Robbers Hit Again, 5 Arrested NR10375pv

Los Angeles: LAPD detectives released video from a robbery yesterday afternoon, July 21, 2010, after three men jumped the counter and stole $30,000 in gold chains from the Broadway Gold Center, located at 601 South Broadway, in downtown Los Angeles.

“A group of our narcotics detectives were in the right place at the right time,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, Commanding Officer of the Central Detective Division. “The suspects ran out of the store as the undercover detectives were waiting at the light. The timing could not have been better.”

The detectives, who were in plain clothes and plain cars, described the suspects and the silver Toyota getaway car to officers over the police radio. The detectives tried to follow but lost the suspects in the heavy traffic. A few minutes later, a patrol unit saw the Toyota with 5 men inside near 10th Street and Stanford Street.

“The suspects bailed out of the car, but the officers were able to round them all up,” Lt. Vernon said. “We recovered about half of the gold chains taken.” Some of the chase and arrest was captured on tape.

Detectives described the robbery crew as members of a South Los Angeles Blood gang that has robbed at least one other jewelry store. Three men quickly entered Abel’s Jewelry Store, located at 450 South Broadway on July 14, 2010. “Just like in yesterday’s robbery, they jumped the counter and grabbed gold chains hanging on the walls,” Lt. Vernon added.

Detectives are investigating another series of similar robberies along Broadway, which they believe are related to a different crew of suspects. “While the crew arrested may be a different set of robbers, there’s a good chance both crews know each other,” Lt. Vernon added. “It could be the word had gotten out that these chain grabs are a quick and easy buck. With these arrests, that word should change now.”

Police are recommending to jewelry store owners use better ways to display their chains and cut down on the thefts. “The video systems in these stores are a big help, too,” Lt. Vernon explained. “Now we’d like everyone to see if they recognize these suspects from any other crimes.”

Police arrested Lacey Lindsey, 19, of Downey; Len Breazeale, 19, of Lynwood; Earl Davenport, 19, of Los Angeles; Alvin Dotson, 19, of Los Angeles; and Khalie Perkins, 34, of Los Angeles. Their respective bail amounts were set at $90,000 after they were booked at the downtown Metropolitan Jail.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective John Arredondo, Central Robbery Unit, at 213-972-1248. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Video of the crime and the arrest is available for viewing at the Central Police Station.